Quality vs. Quantity

[wingnut]

Looking for opinions

I currently fly within the DC ADIZ, but am considering moving somewhere else due to the fact that it costs so much to train here compared to other places, and the cost of living is so high.

However, I do feel as though I am gaining valuable experience learning in a high traffic area, and learning quite abit about communication with approach control, tower and everything else that is involved with the Washington, DC ADIZ.

So the question is... Would you place more value on the number of hours you get for the money, or would you place more value on the experiences that come with training in a high traffic area that gives a person "hands on experience" with busy airspace.

I would consider moving because I could live rent free and pay about 50/hour less for an instructor and plane, but it would mean training in a less complex area.

I am a little confused at what would be considered "more for the money."

[B767Driver]

The complexity of the airspace is a bonus...but you cannot check a box for it on a job application. Obtain time in the air. The first 500 to 1000 hours is just that...get it however you can. After 1000 hours try to get yourself into a more complex flying operation, i.e. IFR environment & multiengine flying.

If you spend your first 1000 hours flying around the pattern, teaching stalls and crosswind landings...well, I think there would be worse ways to spend your time. There's a lot of airmanship to be learned there.

[charlie1017]

[jtrain609]

Originally Posted by B767Driver

The complexity of the airspace is a bonus...but you cannot check a box for it on a job application. Obtain time in the air. The first 500 to 1000 hours is just that...get it however you can. After 1000 hours try to get yourself into a more complex flying operation, i.e. IFR environment & multiengine flying.

If you spend your first 1000 hours flying around the pattern, teaching stalls and crosswind landings...well, I think there would be worse ways to spend your time. There's a lot of airmanship to be learned there.

Thank God somebody still has some sense around here. I learned more about flying teaching primary's than I have teaching at a part 135 company and flying at a 121 company so far. I've sure as heck learned a lot at all three of the jobs I've had so far, but I'd say the learning curve was the steepest when I was doing primary's.